Epic revenge saga with bonus romance.
As I'm late to the party, there is no point for me to add to the hundreds of reviews already here. Hence, this will not be a detailed review but rather some thoughts about this series (part 1 and 2 combined).When I say this show is epic, it is not an exaggeration. The revenge plot spans a generation. It also took years for our leads to complete their romantic journey. This is a long and bumpy ride for all involved.
In many ways, this series is true to its roots. The ML is stoic, brave, overflowing with martial prowess. The classic hero with a capital H. On the other hand, when we first meet the FL, she was a teenager barely 15. She was deprived of a formal education because of a scheming aunt. She is intelligent, feisty, has an affinity for mechanical things but unruly and wilful in the eyes of her elders. In short, the perfect foil for the ML.
Their romantic journey is fraught (of course it is). There are plenty of second leads and naysayers. At one stage, the FL told the ML to his face that he engineered their romance the same way he plotted the downfall of his enemies. The most generous you can say is that he doesn't leave things to chance even though he is 100% dedicated to the FL. He knows what he wants, and he can be ruthless . . . in love and in war.
There are many good performances in this drama. The Emperor and Empress are very understanding and supportive of our leads which is a nice change. Most antagonists are a bit one dimensional but it is par for this genre. At least they don't run amok all the time. All the young maidens are crazy for the ML, but he only has eyes for the FL so the amount of jealous/poisonous looks can power a small town. ;)
Our OTP are the bedrocks this series is built on. While The Romance of Tiger and Rose is the breakout role for ZLS, this pretty much cements her position as a S tier traffic star. The ML has master the stoic, heroic stance. They do have their swoon-y moments which is appreciated.
Nevertheless, the show can feel manipulative as well. For instance, the FL broke up with the ML towards the end of the drama and yet she refuses to forgive him even though he laid bare his soul to her and saved her life repeatedly. Then suddenly, she has an epiphany and all is forgiven. Just in time for the final epic battle and the series conclusion. ;)
The funny thing is after binge watching this show, I felt drained, but I also don't feel that I have much to add to the discord. It is well acted and beautifully crafted with epic scenes and an intricate plot. I could wax lyrical about that, I suppose. However, it is fundamentally tropey in the classical sense. We have seen many examples of this genre before. Aye, few are of this calibre, but it is a well-trodden path nevertheless.
What more can I say? It should be in every c-drama aficionado's watchlist. It needs to be experienced . . once. Peace.
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Not so great
I read a lot of the reviews and I am surprised that it got so good reviews. I also watched it because of the good reviewsThe story is a bit slow and not that interesting. The lead actors have good chemistry but I didn't like the story much
The ratings is high but not for me
The music is only okay but not great
I tried to watch all the episodes but couldn't
It got nothing that makes you want to watch it all the time but I guess it depends on the person.
I have dropped it and I will try to watch it but for now I m not interested in it
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The Tale of A Idiotic, Half illiterate But Yet Somehow Unrealistically Smart, Self Righteous FL
Positive Points1. Top-notch cinematography and direction. The cast was decent, also.
Negative Points
1. The production team and producer were probably short on money, I guess, as it seems they did not invest money in the script. This is one of the dumbest and most idiotic female leads I have seen in a long time. FL is a naive idiot, completely. I don't really like the FL so far. She has her own strength, but the writer failed to highlight it so far in part 1 at least. 27 episodes gone, but there is not been much productive growth of the FL so far. Though she is good in math and all but she is a complete idiot, honestly. She hardly knows 100 characters, and she is somehow a math genius. She learned carpentry just by watching the carpenters and helping them somewhat. Is this shit even believable? She was not that interested in Lou Yao. She liked that he was simple enough for him to obey her in everything. Her mother was right to be concerned about her choice of the groom. The FL became adamant about the Lou Yao only because her mother was opposing the marriage. How foolish that is. She absolutely gave no thought about the family she will be marrying into and the impact on her life due to her future husband's weak personality. Both the FL and her parents are responsible for the FL's dumb behavior. It's a wonder how she attracted 3 possible suitors (2 of them are high profile) at once with this dumb, impulsive, foolish personality like hers. Yuan Shanjian's words to the FL about seeking freedom through marriage sounded bitter, but it was indeed true. But this foolish FL is instead arguing with the 2ML instead of admitting her dumb decision. She talks back to everyone and causes chaos without thinking about the consequences. The writer kept the other high-born women annoying and bullying the FL, just to hide how idiotic this FL actually is. She is illiterate but won't take criticism and won't work to improve her shortcomings. She is self righterious idiot who thinks she is always right. Why would those high-born be jealous of her? Did the writer wrote anying in the FL's character to be jealous of? She only escaped without any serious lifelong damage with this foolish but stubborn persona of hers, only because she is the FL; otherwise, she would be completely useless.
2. The ML Ling Buyi is also nothing special. His expressions were too stiff for my liking. Also, if he was so adamant about revenge and all, then why did he drag an innocent woman with him? I honestly did not find his character to be interesting personally. His actions are also somewhat red flag. He is loyal to the women he likes, which is the only good point. He makes suggestive remarks about him and the FL in front of the FL's fiancé and her parents. He also defends her honor and protects her, true. But he also proposes a marriage without the consent of the FL and her parents. He did not even consult this with the FL first. She was right to behave rudely with him. But she was also too dumb to accept the marriage proposal just to irritate her mother. Her mother was also wrong to criticize her daughter like this publicly. This would not have happened if the ML had consulted the FL and her family first. She did not like the ML and would not have agreed to marry him if the ML had asked her beforehand. So the ML, without the FL's consent, forced her into a betrothal with him because he liked her and was worried lest she marry someone else. A big red flag.
3. Very Slow story progression. The first part has 27 episodes, but except for the nice cinematography, there is no character progression, nor is much happening in terms of story progression.
Overall, if you are a fan of the lead actors, you can give it a go but in terms of story, character depth, and progression, this is a very basic story with an utterly dumb but never accepting her mistakes female lead along with equally dumb 3 male leads (Now 2 are left) who are also smart in name only as they are all obbsessed for no reason with this foolish but proud of her foolishness type FL.
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Amazing, beautiful and yet sad at parts
Got attracted to this series because of Zhao Lusi. I have to say, this series (2 seasons but many they just combined it together so it is a whooping total of 50+ episodes) is quite nice to watch. There are alot of quirky and fun moments and also a few drama moments and the "omg I just want to kill that person and get rid of it once and for all" moments. The male and female lead did a very good job in their roles, not to mention all the other casts as well. I really love how the way the male lead carefully and lovingly protects the female lead all the time, even secretly, though I really hate how he still kept so many dark secrets despite the female lead asking him completely point blank if there was anything else he is hiding. Nonetheless, the series turns out great - in my personal opinion... you may think otherwise - and I actually like watching it. The music paired to this series is also quite nice.Was this review helpful to you?
Fantastic!
What a Fantastic historical drama with my favourite actress LuSi! I enjoy her cheekiness, her vitality and her laugh 😃 i was honestly tempted to drop this drama after seing her family background was pictured as a sad and lonely one, i dont like to feed my mind with unjust scenes from media, expecially how partial and immature her mother is, i cannot tollerate it! But i am glad i decided to continue watching it. ! LUsi chracter is not scared of people, not afraid of speaking her mind, but this is a modern interpretation as back in time, a daughter didnt have much freedom in speech. So we, based in 21st century society, appreciate her character, strong, fiery, clever. BUT doesnt really reflect the reality back then. Regardless, i LOVE it as i am here for entertainment and not historical accuracy. I am always so surprised to see Lu Si so young and yet so capable in her acting roles! And , although in terms of age he could be my son, i am definitelly badly attracted to Leo wu! His make up nd costumes make him look much older, very domeneering... and the way is uncontrollably attracted to LuSi is strongly perceived on screen! I am halfway through this series... and i feel it might have a sad ending..?. i will check it before continuing as i dont like sad ending wih people sacrificing in the name of the loved one, i simply cannot watch it- i am up for positivity and well earned rewards. But regardless of the ending, this is definitelly worth watching: great fighting, fantastic photography.. the scene where she removes the arrow... erghhhh ... very realistic. Update on ep38- wowwwww it gets better and better. Chemistry amongst the MLeads is fantastic! They are perfectly matched, with little.love received from their own family, they will love each other till the end! LU Si and Leo Wu, another drama worth watching. Welll done. I wish you lot of success in your career 💕👏👏Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
As it said this drama is slow burn but once you watch it with fully understanding the story is really good follow these excellent Actors, cinematography and visual.ML&FL have very strong chemistry and they really suited for their roles. They portray their roles just right. The only thing made me disappointed is the mother who left her child since she is baby then comeback after over 10 years didn’t show love to her daughter and discipline her in a wrong way!
Overall this drama is the best that I can watch over and over again!
The team of this drama you did a great job thank you for this wonderful work of yours and for sharing to us!
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Beautiful and powerful show
Once in awhile there’s a show really captivates the audience. Last time I had this feeling I was watching nirvana in fire. Although different end goals both have great actors, production etc.I really enjoyed this drama. Prob one of the few I didn’t feel the need to skip scenes and episodes.
The first arc is focused on the family structure and how it shapes our FL. Then second last focuses on how the FL affects the story and other characters in a wider scale( palace and more political arcs)
The story might move slower than most ppl want but it captivates the viewer with smart comedic scenes etc. The story is also complicated in order to fully explain and accomplish Ling buyi goals there needed to be that many arcs. Each puzzle piece slowly getting put together resulting in a beautiful masterpiece
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A drama that is complete in EVERY way
I started this drama because of my girl Zhao Lusi and man does she never disappoint! LLTG is honestly one of the most complete dramas I've seen in a long time. The script, acting, costumes, and directing are all so well done. This drama honestly has a good mix of everything. You want angst? LLTG has that. Comedy? LLTG has that. Tooth rotting romance? LLTG has that. Political intrigue? LLTG has got you covered.They say that a good script can cover any bad actor, but that does not apply to LLTG. EVERY actor in this drama fulfills their role so well. Zhao Lusi and Wu lei were fantastic and its so nice to see that they had a chance to appear as a main couple in their own drama after the Long Ballad. I always knew Lusi was a fantastic actress, but it was the second time I've ever seen Wu Lei act and he was outstanding. I loved his portrayal of the stoic yet misunderstood Ling Bu Yi. Every time he looked at Chen Shao Shang with honey practically dripping out of his eyes I found it hard not to squeal because of the chemistry.
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Wu Leo and Zhao Lusi owned this
Edit 15/1/2024: Watching for the fifth time and still can't get enough of Leo and LusiWhoever wrote this story deserves all the accolades because this series upended most of the tropes that I dislike in C dramas and made something so refreshing and compulsively watchable. Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi were spectacular and the other actors played their roles skillfully from the first episode until the last, I was glued to my screen. I love this and I honestly don't think there's any series that even comes close to its brilliance. It's a must-watch if you like the interplay of comedy, action, and family drama. Perfection!
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Our series, which actually contains a beautiful love story, was a revenge series. From the beginning to the end, we always felt this vengeance secretly. We felt love as being with him when he needed it, being saved by it many times, admiration behind the gratitude for it, and then being strongly attached. It went on like this until the end. We understood that even if a resentful person is in peace, they cannot be separated, and that they will not be in the heart with another person, even in appearance. These were presented to us in such a beautiful way. I congratulate the director and the actors for this.
The series did not pass with mere revenge and love games, there was action, there was war, there was loyalty, there was comedy. Especially Cheng Grandma was awesome. I pass alone. I bow respectfully before our artist. I really liked your game. The other comedian, Baba Cheng Shi, was also great. Mother Yuan Yi followed them. I admired him. Our Emperor Jieng Feng did a great job. He was good at everything. He's also very into comedy. The harmony of the spouses with each other was also wonderful. I have never seen such an emperor consortium before. At the same time, they fascinated with their beauty. Likewise, there was a perfect harmony and acting, be it teenagers, princesses, princes, other family children. I can say I'm lost.
The harmony of our lead couple was also great. Congratulations to them. I'm waiting for your new series. I hope to watch.
I think this was the flash series of the year. It was the number one series for me. I have several such strings. We look forward to the continuation. Please producers and directors we are waiting for such great series sir. Health to your hands.
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one of the most amazing historical dramas out there
Oh how long it’s been since we got this kind of dramas back. I was sick of the historical rom-coms China gave us in the last two to three years. Unrealistic, boring and missing literally everything we actually watched historical dramas for.I really missed the heart wrenching feeling I get while watching these kind of dramas.
With Love Like The Galaxy we finally got what we wanted for a very long time. The amazing storyline had its depth, the characters were beautifully written and don’t get me even started about the romance of the main leads. *chef’s kiss*
After being obsessed with The Long Ballad I was shocked when I saw both Zhao Lusi and Leo Wu to be in this drama together AS MAIN LEADS. Never thought my impossible feeling ship had finally sailed.
Lusi and Leo did an incredible job here. Their characters were fabulous. I loved how loving and caring Ling Buyi was, how deeply in love he was with Cheng Shaoshang, the girl who slowly gets to be one of my favorite female leads of all time. Their characters were so different from each other, him being a ruthless general and her being a unloved child of parents who went to war for their country. The Cheng family had their own faults and mistakes, but that made them even more realistic. Their actions made sense and I often could understand why they acted like this. The same goes to the other characters. Props to the writers of this drama, we finally got a little bit away from the all-time used cliches in historical dramas. I laughed with the emperor, felt sad about the empress, was proud because of the concubine and had a love-hate relationship with most of the other characters.
The storyline had an amazing flow. Politics, history and romance were mixed together with the right amount of each. The political situation in the empire made sense and because of that the whole plot was better to understand. Even not being historically accurate, the drama still had a lot of elements of the conflicts in the past which made the drama more interesting, knowing that some of these events even happened in real life. Same can’t be said about the main couple (obviously lmao) which just reached all of my expectations. Their story developed VERY slow but it was worth it. I’m not a big fan of non-enemies-to-lovers slow burn but this one here… this one was fantastic. I loved this couple. Their chemistry was just something else. Zhao Lusi is an actress I always shipped with literally every other male actor lol. But her playing Shaoshang as the love interest of Buyi made me just swoon all the time. They were so sweet together. Such mature characters who were played by amazing actors.
The soundtracks fit this drama very well. Especially the OST at the beginning will probably have me feel really nostalgic while watching this drama again.
This means that I will rewatch the drama of course. I even started with some of the most unforgettable scenes right after finishing the drama yesterday (don’t get me even started on the arrow scene and the punishment scene omfg).
This will probably be one of my favs I will just rewatch anytime I have free time when there’s no other drama to watch. :D
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The Best Historical Drama after 'Nirvana in Fire' !
So many fellows have already written excellent reviews from different aspects~I don't know what else to say now ~
Anyway, I want to thank all the staff working behind this drama, especially Director Fei. You know the proper leader is so vital for a team! Hope Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei will show us more outstanding dramas! All the casts in this drama are so suitable in their roles!
This drama ranks second to 'Nirvana in Fire' on my drama list now! It deserves to rewatch!
(To fill the 150 words, I have to repeat it:)
So many fellows have already written excellent reviews from different aspects~
I don't know what else to say now ~
Anyway, I want to thank all the staff working behind this drama, especially Director Fei. You know the proper leader is so vital for a team! Hope Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei will show us more outstanding dramas! All the casts in this drama are so suitable in their roles!
This drama ranks second to 'Nirvana in Fire' on my drama list now! It deserves to rewatch!
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